How To Go To Doha Festival City By Metro?
To reach Doha Festival City by metro, take the Red Line to Lusail-QNB station, then exit at Al Kheesa. From there, board the free Metro Link Bus M145 to Doha Festival City. The entire journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reaching Doha Festival City
Follow these steps to get to Doha Festival City using the Doha Metro:
Step 1: Board the Red Line
- Enter your nearest Red Line metro station
- Purchase a travel card if you don’t have one
- Tap your card at the gate to enter the platform
- Board a train heading towards Lusail
Step 2: Arrive at Lusail-QNB Station
- Stay on the train until you reach Lusail-QNB station (the last stop)
- Exit the train and follow signs to the Al Kheesa exit
- Use the escalator to go up to street level
Step 3: Take the Metro Link Bus
- Look for the Metro Link Bus M145 waiting area
- Board the free M145 bus
- The bus will take you directly to Doha Festival City
Step 4: Arrive at Doha Festival City
- Get off the bus at the Doha Festival City stop
- Cross the road using the designated pedestrian crossing
- Enter Doha Festival City mall
Key Features of the Doha Metro
- Three lines: Red, Green, and Gold
- Modern, air-conditioned trains
- Affordable fares
- Frequent service
- Convenient station locations
Types of Metro Cards
The Doha Metro offers different types of travel cards to suit various passenger needs:
- Standard Travel Card
- Goldclub Travel Card
- Limited Use Travel Card
Where to Purchase Metro Cards
You can buy metro cards at the following locations:
- Vending machines at all metro stations
- Licensed retailers: Al Meera, Carrefour, Family Food Centre, Jumbo Electronics, and Lulu Hypermarket
- Online through Talabat Mart (delivery available)
- Qatar Rail app (for digital cards)
Metro Timings and Frequency
Understanding the metro schedule is crucial for planning your trip to Doha Festival City. Here are the general operating hours for the Doha Metro:
| Day | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday to Wednesday | 5:30 AM – 11:59 PM |
| Thursday | 5:30 AM – 1:00 AM (next day) |
| Friday | 2:00 PM – 1:00 AM (next day) |
| Saturday | 6:00 AM – 11:59 PM |
Trains typically run every 5-7 minutes during peak hours and every 7-10 minutes during off-peak hours. However, it’s always best to check the Qatar Rail app or website for the most up-to-date schedule information.
Metro Fares and Payment Options
The Doha Metro offers affordable fares for all passengers. Here’s a breakdown of the fare structure:
| Card Type | Single Journey | Day Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | QAR 2 | QAR 6 |
| Goldclub | QAR 10 | QAR 30 |
You can pay for your journey using:
- Reloadable travel cards
- Limited use paper tickets
- Digital cards through the Qatar Rail app
Remember to tap in and out at the start and end of your journey to ensure correct fare calculation.
Amenities at Doha Festival City
Once you arrive at Doha Festival City, you’ll find a wide range of amenities and attractions:
Shopping
- Over 400 retail stores
- International and local brands
- First IKEA store in Qatar
- Harvey Nichols department store
Dining
- More than 100 restaurants and cafes
- Options ranging from fast food to fine dining
- International cuisines and local specialties
Entertainment
- VOX Cinemas
- Angry Birds World theme park
- SnowDunes winter-themed park
- Virtuocity e-gaming hub
Services
- Prayer rooms
- ATMs
- Customer service desks
- Valet parking
- Stroller and wheelchair rentals
- Escape room
Tips for a Smooth Journey
To ensure a hassle-free trip to Doha Festival City via metro, keep these tips in mind:
- Check the metro schedule before your trip
- Ensure your travel card has sufficient credit
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking
- Bring a light jacket as the metro and mall can be cool
- Download the Qatar Rail app for real-time updates
- Be mindful of peak hours to avoid crowds
- Follow all metro and bus rules and etiquette
Alternative Transportation Options
While the metro is the most convenient way to reach Doha Festival City, there are other options available:
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Doha. You can hail one on the street or use ride-hailing apps like Karwa or Uber. The journey from central Doha to Doha Festival City takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Bus
Qatar’s public bus system also serves Doha Festival City. Routes 701 and 704 stop at the mall. However, the journey may take longer compared to the metro.
Car
If you prefer to drive, Doha Festival City offers ample parking space. The mall is located near Al Shamal Road, making it easily accessible by car.
You can also access City Center, the famous Al-Thumama stadium, and Pearl Qatar through Metro.
Frequently Asked Questions
To address common queries about traveling to Doha Festival City by metro, here are some frequently asked questions:
- How long does the journey from central Doha to Doha Festival City take by metro?
The journey typically takes 30-40 minutes, depending on your starting point and including the bus ride from Lusail-QNB station. - Is the Metro Link Bus M145 free?
Yes, the Metro Link Bus M145 is free for metro passengers. - Are there separate carriages for women and families?
Yes, there are designated family carriages on each train. - How often does the Metro Link Bus M145 run?
The bus typically runs every 12-15 minutes during peak hours and every 20-30 minutes during off-peak hours. - Is there a direct metro station at Doha Festival City?
No, the closest metro station is Lusail-QNB, from where you need to take the Metro Link Bus M145. - Can I bring a bicycle on the metro?
Folding bicycles are allowed, but standard bicycles are not permitted on trains or in stations.
Ammara Abdullah is an experienced writer and editor specializing in technology and digital trends. With over 5 years of experience, she produces insightful articles on emerging tech, consumer electronics, and digital culture. Ammara holds a degree in journalism and is passionate about making complex topics accessible to readers.
